Warning to iPhone Users in 98 Countries: Beware of Mercenary Spyware Attacks
Tech & AI | July 11, 2024, 8:24 a.m.
Apple has issued a warning to iPhone users in 98 countries about potential "mercenary spyware attacks" that could compromise personal data on their devices. The spyware, particularly from companies like NSO with its Pegasus software, can access almost all data on an iPhone without the user's knowledge just by receiving a specific iMessage. These attacks are often targeted towards opposition politicians, activists, journalists, and lawyers by governments with poor human rights records. While Apple works to close vulnerabilities, detection can take time, prompting the company to alert victims of potential compromises. By using Lockdown Mode, users can protect their devices. Apple's latest warning urges recipients to take the threat seriously, as the company has a high confidence level in its assessment. This ongoing battle highlights the need for vigilance in protecting personal data on iPhones from sophisticated spyware attacks.